The 6 Best Travel Ukuleles: Lightweight, Compact, & Weather-Resistant

Typically one of the best journey companion is an instrument, one that’s small, nice, and completely transportable – just like the ukulele! Whereas it is sensible {that a} ukulele is an ideal journey buddy based mostly on measurement, ukuleles particularly designed for journey are very a lot a factor. Journey ukeleles are designed to be both lightweight, compact, weather-resistant, or all three!

When Sensible Wanderlust’s Editor-in-Chief, Richie, requested if he may write an article on journey ukuleles, I truly didn’t understand that journey ukuleles existed. Every little thing I knew about them got here from journeys to Hawai’i and family and friends members who had picked up the instrument in some unspecified time in the future or one other (my mother, sister, and husband all play the ukulele, so I’m actually surrounded by a refrain of tiny ukes always).

So, within the spirit of making an attempt and testing journey gear, our intrepid Editor spent months touring with numerous ukuleles and making detailed notes on their sound and efficiency. In case you’re out there for a light-weight, travel-friendly instrument companion, on this put up you’ll discover completely all the things it’s good to decide! Take it away, Richie.

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How I Evaluated My Journey Ukuleles

Taking part in an instrument is one thing that I at all times needed to do, however by no means thought I may realistically study. I went to a performing arts highschool (as a theatre main) and was surrounded by insanely gifted musical individuals, so I assumed, “why even strive?”. 

Reduce to 10 years later once I purchased my first ukulele. I realized some chords, slowly realized tips on how to strum and play some Lana Del Rey songs, annnnd finally put the uke down and forgot about it. 

Reduce as soon as once more to March 2020, the world shuts down and I’m caught at residence. I picked up the ukulele once more, this time actually diving in, and began enjoying music obsessively from The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living (which I consider is a must have for starting gamers). Since then I’ve been enjoying the ukulele day-after-day and writing my very own songs, and I can’t think about not taking my ukulele all over the place I’m going.

Fortunately, I’ve field-tested many ukuleles from 4 manufacturers that make particular journey ukuleles. Whereas the little Hawai’ian instrument (by way of Portugal) is mostly compact sufficient for journey, I’ve field-tested a number of ukuleles which can be designed to be your good journey buddy. 

I field-tested my ukuleles by touring with them to new cities, taken them mountain climbing, kayaking, and to the seaside, enjoying them within the automobile, and simply typically taking them out and about (out and about might embrace my bathtub, however who’s judging?). One tiny ukulele even took an enormous journey with me overseas to Switzerland!

In my seek for one of the best journey ukuleles, I used to be in search of to seek out ones that match sure standards:

✔ I want them to resist a traditional quantity of damage and tear. I ought to specify that I didn’t throw any of those ukuleles off a cliff, put them within the dryer, or take them 20,000 leagues below the ocean. I adopted common maintenance pointers and tried to not drop them. Largely.

✔ I want them to be properly made and sound good. There’s no actual good thing about getting a journey ukulele should you don’t benefit from the sound you get from it!

✔ I want them to be light-weight and straightforward to move, in order that I can carry them or take them in a automobile or airplane with out taking on a ton of area or including a ton of weight.

✔ I want my ukulele to look cool, as a result of even when your brother tells you {that a} ukulele is a dorky instrument, there ARE cool wanting ukuleles (and I imply, enjoying ukulele is cool).

• A notice about ukulele sizes: Ukuleles are available three main sizes – soprano, live performance and tenor (smallest to largest). Sopranos are the commonest, and what we consider after we consider the widespread Hawaiian ukulele. Selecting a measurement actually comes down to private choice, although for touring functions, sopranos by nature are most transportable. The live performance and tenor fashions included on this put up are slimline fashions, that means their our bodies aren’t as thick to accommodate journey.

The Greatest Journey Ukuleles

Under are one of the best journey ukuleles yow will discover available on the market right this moment! These fashions all sound good, look good, and will probably be your greatest good friend whether or not you’ll the mountains or the seaside. They’re designed for portability and to be your greatest good friend on day journeys, holidays, or world travels. Let’s test them out!

Greatest Price range-Pleasant Journey Ukulele

Flight Ukuleles are a few of the hottest ukuleles and for good motive: they’re tremendous sturdy, transportable, AND are cute and sound nice! The Travel Series Soprano Ukulele with a Mandala Wood design is a ukulele that I’ve thrown in my automobile, taken throughout city, and never have to fret about getting dinged up or going simply out of tune.

Right here’s why I find it irresistible:

✔ It’s principally product of plastic, however it nonetheless sounds nice.

Whereas the physique of and fretboard is made out of plastic, the soundboard is made with laminate linden wooden which provides it a punchy and vivid sound that you just couldn’t get from a very plastic ukulele.

Whereas different plastic ukuleles have a hole sound, this positively has extra of a depth that makes it sound extra like a “actual” ukulele.

✔ The setup is surprisingly good.

The fret motion can also be low, that means the strings are straightforward to push down on and the intonation is nice up the fretboard. The tuners additionally work very properly, holding it in tune constantly. Merely put, it’s straightforward to play!

✔ This ukulele is cheap, making it an incredible “beater” or starter ukulele.

At solely round $55, this ukulele received’t break the financial institution. And should you do occur to interrupt it (which might take some work- it’s sturdy!) you’re not going to kick your self over it.

Additionally, for the reason that soundboard appears to be coated with a plastic decal for the artwork design, it ought to maintain up if it will get just a little moist too.

✔ This ukulele is available in sooooooo many cute designs!

Whereas mine is the attractive mandala wooden design, you will see that loads of designs like ocean waves, graffiti, galaxies, cherry blossoms, or perhaps a extra basic wooden grain design. Actually yow will discover one thing that matches your vibe! It additionally comes with just a little (albeit skinny) gig bag to place your ukulele in.

Greatest Lengthy-Haul Journey Ukulele

This little Ohana O’Nina Willow Sopranissimo Ukulele went for the journey of its life once I introduced it on a visit to Switzerland.

It lived in my day pack, so I may whip it out at opportune moments and have a Maria Von Trapp second enjoying music within the Swiss Alps. Discuss concerning the hills being alive with the sound of music!

Right here’s why I’m a fan:

✔ This little gem is significantly TINY.

At solely 17” lengthy in complete, not solely does it match simply in most luggage however is significantly so effing cute.

It’s truly thought-about two sizes smaller than an everyday Soprano and it simply slot in my daypack to take aboard my aircraft, and I wasn’t too nervous about placing it in a elaborate case – although I’d positively suggest placing it in a material bag so it doesn’t get scratched up.

When I’m not touring with it, I maintain it on my desk to stare at its lovely little self.

✔ Its tiny little physique offers it an lovely, basic ukulele sound.

Although it’s so small, it does give an adorably punchy sound! That is partially as a result of with ukuleles this small it’s a must to tune it up from C to D, so the stress is tight sufficient for the ukulele to remain in tune (extra about tuning here). This offers it a better and much more jangly sound, for a 20s Tiny Pan Alley ukulele vibe.

This works nice for me because it places most songs in a extra pure singing vary for me, and the chord shapes stay the identical (it simply performs the tune in a better key).

Additionally, this tuner is nice for any ukulele, however it’s the proper measurement for this uke. (I’ve bought extra solutions for travel-friendly ukulele equipment on the finish of this put up!)

✔ It is available in a bunch of tremendous cute colours.

Whereas my tiny ukulele is in blue, it’s also possible to select purple, inexperienced, crimson, or yellow for one of the best match in your character. Hell, you may even plan outfits round this little cutie and pull it out of your bag for shock concert events! Who am I kidding: I AM that further.

✔ The wooden is laminate, so it’s sturdy.

The physique can also be made out of willow laminate, which has an attractive grain including to its gorgeousness you may’t see solely in pictures. The laminate additionally means that it’s going to maintain as much as the weather higher. Cute and practical!

Greatest Sounding Journey Ukulele

The Kala Model Solid Spruce Travel Concert ukulele is the proper, excellent-sounding journey companion. Kala Model is considered one of, if not probably the most, standard ukulele producers, so you may anticipate a top-quality ukulele that’s not solely practical however nice sounding!

Right here’s why I like this ukulele:

✔ This ukulele sounds stellar.

Spruce is often what guitars are comprised of, so you may anticipate this ukulele to offer you a loud, resonant tone. It holds maintain like a dream, and actually feels leaps and bounds above most journey ukuleles.

What makes it particularly a journey ukulele is that it has a “thinbody” design for simpler journey, which is nice for the reason that ukulele is already a bit larger at its live performance measurement of slightly below 24″ lengthy (it additionally is available in a 25.75″ tenor mannequin).

However though the physique is slim, it completely delivers the basic sound that’s related to ukuleles.

✔ This ukulele appears nice.

I do know appears aren’t all the things, however this ukulele offers off the aura of “I’m an actual instrument who deserves to be beloved and worshipped.” Somewhat cocky, isn’t he?

However significantly, the development on this ukulele is improbable: the spruce prime and glossy mahogany again and sides give it an air of regality. You’ll positively look fashionable on the seaside or at a campfire with this gem.

✔ It’s product of actual wooden.

A stable spruce prime means simply that: the soundboard is made out of a stable piece of wooden. This implies higher sound and projection.

However since it’s actual wooden, you’ll have to take further care of it, particularly when taking it to totally different climates. Wooden expands and contracts with humidity, so remember to maintain it humidified with just a little humidifier like this one within the padded gig bag the ukulele comes with (higher but, get a hard case). Water is the essence of magnificence, bear in mind?

Greatest Weatherproof Journey Ukulele

This super-stylish Enya Nova U Concert Ukulele is type of just like the Jetson’s model of a ukulele. With its daring colours and heat sound, this ukulele is one of the best of all worlds.

Right here’s why I find it irresistible:

✔ You’ll be able to take this uke ANYWHERE, and to any local weather.

It’s constructed with a carbon fiber composite polycarbonate which implies that not solely is it waterproof, however it received’t develop and contract in several climates like a wood instrument (which may harm the wooden).

Which means is a superb ukulele to take even simply to the pool, understanding that water and humidity received’t harm it (although make certain to dry the tuners should you get them moist; they’re nonetheless made out of metallic!).

It’ll additionally face up to the weather in case you are the type of traveler who’s prone to hop on a aircraft from the tropics to the arctic, with totally different temperatures and humidities. Journey free, you little world nomad!

✔ It has a heat, dreamy sound.

One other big bonus is the ukulele truly sounds fantastic – it will not be as punchy as spruce, however it offers a heat, mellow, dreamy tone with an extended maintain – uncommon in a non-wooden instrument. In case you’re plucking a melody with the strings it sounds particularly good.

It’s type of the proper sound to stroll by a backyard and sing to the bees, or simply to play and never fear about being too loud (like in your lodge room).

✔ It has a cool, futuristic look!

The design is chef’s kiss, the place do I begin? Firstly, the colours are so daring and fantastic. Whereas I’ve child blue, there may be additionally blush pink, crimson, orange, and black.

I additionally love the soundhole, which appears just like the cut-out of a flame. There’s even a soundhole on the aspect of the physique going through up which lets you hear the music higher.

The cutout within the neck can also be a superb design function should you like enjoying notes increased up the fretboard. Total it appears futuristic and neat!

While mine is the 23″ concert size, they also have a 21-inch “mini” size (soprano), or an possibility with a built-in amplifier (although that’s a lot pricier and received’t be as weatherproof!).

Greatest Sustainable Journey Ukulele

If you’re searching for a ukulele made out of a sustainable materials that may face up to put on and tear, Kala’s Bamboo Soprano Ukulele has bought your again.

Right here’s why I really like this ukulele:

✔ Bamboo is a extremely sustainable materials – and DURABLE.

We worth sustainability, accountability, and ethical tourism right here at Sensible Wanderlust, and ukuleles are not any exception! Bamboo is a splendidly sustainable materials, because it’s the fastest growing plant on earth and grows to a mature measurement in simply 3-4 months.

Apart from its quick development time, it’s a particularly strong, lightweight, and durable material that may face up to the weather and is named “inexperienced steal”.

This can be a ukulele I by no means actually fear about once I carry it round. I’ve taken it to the seaside, performed it within the sand, bought it sticky with saltwater… and it was effective. Bamboo is simply so sturdy, I imply how lengthy have you ever been utilizing the identical takeout chopsticks you’ve had for years in your drawer?

✔ It sounds extra mellow than my different ukuleles.

Not solely is it tremendous cute wanting and small (coming in slightly below 21″) with some very fascinating slotted tuners, however it additionally has a very pretty mellow, quiet tone, good for enjoying in your lodge room or on the seaside.

I’ve to confess: at first I didn’t love the low quantity. It appeared too understated. However then it slowly grew on me, and I preferred enjoying the quieter instrument as a result of it appeared to whisper its notes simply to me, like a quiet summer season breeze off the ocean waves (whoops, am I getting too poetic? Higher go write a tune…).

I wouldn’t describe this ukulele as punchy or loud, however as comforting and mellow, and that’s generally precisely what you want!

Greatest Journey Ukulele with a Pickup

Ohana not solely makes one of many tiniest journey ukuleles (see the O’Nina above), additionally they make the Ohana OH-TKS-22-E Slimline Tenor Ukulele Solid Spruce Top Pickup (fairly the identify), maybe the one thin-body journey ukulele that features a passive pickup. And with a stable spruce prime, it sounds nice too!

A passive pickup implies that there are not any electronics concerned within the ukulele, however it will possibly nonetheless be performed over an amp. You merely plug an instrument cable, like this one, out of your ukulele into an amp and you may play your music over audio system!

Right here is why we love this ukulele:

✔ It has a passive pickup, that means you may plug and play!

It’s exhausting to discover a ukulele that’s meant for journey with a passive pickup built-in, so Ohana’s E Slimline Tenor Ukulele is a particularly nice shock.

Its passive pickup function is nice if you wish to journey and play gigs, however even should you aren’t skilled, it’s tremendous enjoyable to play amplified – particularly over a tiny amp like this one you may hook onto your belt.

This little amp even has an “overdrive” setting” which makes this ukulele sound extra like an electrical guitar. Method to amp up your campfire singalongs!

✔ It has a stable prime, a slim physique, and an incredible sound.

The stable spruce prime offers this ukulele an attractive, full tone which you could’t get from a non-wooden ukulele. The maintain is very glorious on this uke, and once you strum or pluck a notice rings out good and lengthy.

Although it’s a tenor mannequin coming in at24-5/8″ lengthy, its “slimline” design makes it about half the depth of a traditional ukulele, making it much less cumbersome and simpler to journey with with out sacrificing sound high quality.

✔ The tuning pegs it comes with are top quality.

It will not be one thing that majorly impacts the way you understand a ukulele, however this Ohana ukulele comes with very good tuning pegs. Ohana has put in Grover open geared tuners, which flip very easily and maintain your ukulele in tune very properly.

Because the pegs themselves are additionally metallic and have an fascinating form, they give the impression of being actually fashionable and are way more engaging than a budget plastic ones that nearly each journey ukulele comes with. Typically the little issues actually make an instrument look that significantly better!

Bonus: The Greatest Journey Guitar

Typically once you’re touring it’s good to have just a little versatility, and having a guitar can actually change the tone up. Kala’s Solid Spruce Top Travel Guitar is an ideal companion to a journey ukulele!

Why I like this journey guitar:

✔ It’s small and light-weight.

This guitar is tremendous transportable at solely 33.25″ lengthy, and at a feather-light weight of two.5 kilos! Whereas it’s 10″ longer than the longest journey ukulele on this checklist, that’s nonetheless a particularly transportable measurement for a guitar.

It truly is a breeze to hold it round, which I did on the seaside. It additionally comes with a customized gig bag so you already know you’ll be capable to maintain it secure!

✔ It has guitar sound and is top quality.

This guitar has a stable spruce prime, giving it that basic guitar sound. Whereas it doesn’t have as many low tones as a full-size guitar, what it lacks in depth it makes up in playability and luxury.

The guitar can also be made in Portugal, and you may actually see and really feel the standard of the finishings. It feels sturdy, properly constructed, and straightforward to play, with no sharp frets or apparent flaws.

✔ The playability is nice regardless of its small bundle.

The guitar maintains the usual guitar fret and string spacing making it straightforward for knowledgeable gamers to choose up, and is equally nearly as good for brand spanking new gamers. So though the physique is smaller for portability, you’ll have the identical fretboard you’re used to; no want to regulate!

Greatest Journey Ukuleles: Honorable Mentions

Under are another journey ukuleles I’ve examined. If you’re searching for one thing totally different from the ukuleles above, take a look at these nice choices:

• Kala Brand Glow-in-the-Dark Aqua Matte Soprano Waterman: Kala’s Waterman ukuleles are meant for simply what it sounds like- to be performed in and close to the water. Whereas this one is 100% waterproof (sans the metallic tuners- ensure you dry them), it doesn’t ship nearly as good of a sound because the Flight or Enya ukuleles above, however the sound remains to be nice. That being mentioned, it’s $45 and nice for a seaside journey!
• Kala Brand Exotic Mahogany Travel Ukulele: This thinbody unique mahogany journey ukulele has a mellow sound, and an attractive easy end and a pleasure to play. If you need one thing much less punchy than the Spruce High Kala ukulele, this ukulele is a pleasant different.

Greatest Journey Ukulele Equipment

Although ukuleles are an incredible instrument to seize and go, there are nonetheless some equipment you must have, or need to have, in your arsenal and you are taking the world by storm along with your musical prowess. Under are a few of my favourite uke equipment I’ve truly used myself:

• A ukelele case: Whereas most journey ukuleles include a case (test the descriptions above), some don’t and that could be a downside! You’ll need to deal with your ukuleles with care to maintain them secure, so grabbing them a delicate ukulele case like this one will maintain them clear and forestall them from getting broken. In case you’re springing for a nicer ukulele, say a stable wooden one, a tough case like this one could also be a good higher possibility to assist maintain it secure and humidified (and seize some littler humidifiers like this one).
• A tremendous ukulele songbook: In case you’re simply beginning ukulele, I excessive suggest choosing up The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living. It incorporates a ton of songs (365), with a fundamental introduction to enjoying ukulele in the beginning. The one approach to get higher is to play, and this e book has chord charts and a large assortments or jazz requirements and pop hits. Even should you’re an intermediate participant it’s an incredible e book to have with you bodily for some campfire tune enjoyable!
• An additional set of strings: What occurs if you find yourself shipwrecked on an island with out an additional set of uke strings? Hey, it may occur! I really like these Martin & Co. Flurocarbon Strings, and I feel they’re an enormous improve from the usual strings most ukuleles include. They’re vivid sounding and, in your plastic ukuleles, waterproof – they’re primarily comprised of the identical factor as fishing wire.
• A ukulele tuner: When you can simply tune with a cellphone app, it might choose up on different sounds making it more durable to tune. With a clip on tuner, it tunes by the ukulele’s vibrations as an alternative. I really like this D’Addario Micro Headstock Tuners, as a result of they’re tiny and nearly not noticeable. Plus there may be much less of an opportunity you might knock them off by chance.
• A ukulele capo: Having a capo is rarely a foul factor should you simply need to change the important thing of a tune. I like this Kyser Quick-Change Capo.

In regards to the Writer: Richie Goff is a Louisville, Kentucky native with an incredible love of the outside. When he’s not rising flowers for enjoyable (and generally revenue), he’s the Editor-in-Chief of Sensible Wanderlust and Let’s Go Louisville. He has been a good friend of Lia’s since highschool, and so they have taken loads of their very own disaster-prone adventures collectively!

Do you play ukulele already? Have a favourite journey ukulele of your individual? Remark beneath and inform us about it!

Psst: In search of extra journey suggestions? Take a look at a few of our different posts that can assist you plan your subsequent journey!

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Disclaimer: The ukuleles above have been despatched to me at no cost to check for this put up. That being mentioned, all my opinions (and foolish asides) are my very own!

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